Gabriel’s eyes remained fixed on the road through the windshield as the car followed closely behind the vehicles carrying his parents and siblings.
His gaze lingered on the vibrant decorations adorning both sides of the wide avenue, strings of lights, floral arrangements, and colorful drapes fluttering gently in the breeze. Despite the festive scene, a growing tension coiled in his chest. Everything had to go according to plan.
From the passenger seat, Karmen glanced back, attempting to break the heavy silence. "Gabriel, you’re awfully quiet," he remarked gently.
Gabriel turned his head toward him.
"I’m nervous," he admitted after a pause. "This silence... it feels unnatural." He leaned back, resting his head on the seat’s headrest and exhaled slowly, trying to steady his thoughts.
Karmen offered a reassuring smile. "Everything’s under control. I get why you’re feeling this way, but trust me, it’s going to be perfect. You and Amelie will be husband and wife before the day ends."
Gabriel nodded slightly, though the crease between his brows deepened. ’I’m thinking more than I should,’ he mused, picking up his phone. He checked his messages, hoping to see something from Amelie. Nothing.
’Kate said she sent her a photo of me... so why hasn’t Amelie sent hers?’ he wondered. ’Just one look at her in that wedding dress would’ve calmed me.’
With a quiet sigh, he set the phone aside and turned his gaze back to the window, silently willing the journey to end.
~~~~
"Oh my goodness, Amelie, you look absolutely stunning," Samyra exclaimed as she stepped into the room.
Her eyes sparkled with emotion as she took in the sight of her daughter in the wedding dress. She gave a soft glance to Flora. "Sweetheart, why don’t you go stay with your father for a bit?"
David was in the wheelchair because the wounds in his legs still needed time to fully heal. So, the presence of one person at a time was important.
Flora nodded and quietly stepped out of the room, leaving them alone.
Amelie sat gracefully on a white velvet sofa, her hands resting on her lap. At Samyra’s gentle touch, she stood with the help of her assistant, who adjusted the long veil resting atop her intricately styled hair, though it had yet to be draped over her face.
Samyra moved closer and placed her hands lightly on Amelie’s arms, admiration glowing in her eyes. "You look beautiful, my dear," she whispered, feeling emotional. Then, without another word, she pulled her daughter into a warm embrace. It was to remind that Amelie was well even after undergoing so much.
Pulling back just slightly, Samyra planted a soft kiss in the middle of Amelie’s forehead.
Amelie offered a soft smile, her nerves briefly soothed by her mother’s presence.
"Have they arrived yet?" Amelie asked.
"Not yet," Samyra replied.
"Oh..."
"But they’re close to the venue," Samyra added in a soft whisper. "I heard Denzel mention it just a moment ago." She paused, then looked at her daughter with gentle curiosity. "Is there something on your mind?"
Amelie hesitated for a moment, her gaze drifting downward. "Um... it’s Flora," she murmured. "I don’t think she’s happy. Her wedding was called off so suddenly... I know I shouldn’t let it affect me, but as a woman—" she took a breath, her voice lowering, "—I can’t help but feel something for what she must be going through."
Samyra stood next to her husband and kept her one hand on his shoulder.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Rejected and Pregnant Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince